1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alchemy
Largely touted as one of the best games ever made, Hades has inspired many imitators, many of which only superficially comprehend the special alchemy of design elements that makes the indie actioner so effective.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Beyond lies further alchemy, as film is transmuted into digital form.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
But more than any other dance style she’s trained in, Ferreira described, Chatterjea’s choreography taps into a sort of alchemy that turns movement into spiritual growth.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025
One of the buzziest debuts of the fall is this riveting dark fantasy in which a woman with missing memories must survive a world of necromancy and alchemy.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Beyond lies further alchemy, as film is transmuted into digital form.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
But more than any other dance style she’s trained in, Ferreira described, Chatterjea’s choreography taps into a sort of alchemy that turns movement into spiritual growth.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025
One of the buzziest debuts of the fall is this riveting dark fantasy in which a woman with missing memories must survive a world of necromancy and alchemy.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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Pynchon’s daunting masterpiece, a white whale of a Great American Novel, is stuffed with pun-tastic songs, rocket science and World War II-era occultism.—
John Lopez,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Sep. 2025
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The article, which contains little that would be unfamiliar to anyone conversant with some of the more influential twentieth-century texts on yoga and occultism, concludes with accounts of meditations Crowley allegedly undertook between January and April 1901.—
Stewart Home
August 22,
Literary Hub,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Falcons, Texans, Jets, Seahawks Baker Mayfield was nearly flawless, completing 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions as the Bucs’ fourth-quarter magic continued.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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That began with his mother, who introduced him to the magic of movement and music—the sounds of her favorite female singers flooding the house.—
Guillermo Perez,
Miami Herald,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In this Fixed sign, Mars’ sorcery is much like a surgeon or a chemist, cutting deep to unveil what’s lingering beneath the surface.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
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Sheibani and McCraney know that the way to bring out the sorcery of a play layered in myth and ritual is not to weigh it down.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Thomas Ady, the 17th century author of a skeptical treatise on witchcraft A Candle in the Dark appears to refer to Vincent without naming him directly.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
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There’s a deep sadness to Mika Moon, a witch who has been raised to hide her magic, and there’s also sadness to witchcraft in general in this world, in which any one with magic is orphaned.—
Audrey Goldberg Ruoff,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Silicon Valley and San Francisco still are strong for computers, now with AI wizardry.—
John Seiler,
Oc Register,
16 Sep. 2025
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The season-saving showcase of defensive wizardry that leaves you with your jaw on your lap… -off?—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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